Sweet serendipity

I usually start my day warming up by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate.

In lieu of this day, I opted for the frozen version instead. Frozen Hot Chocolate is what I started my day with (my trainer recommends hot chocolate as a post-workout boost).

My first encounter with this frozen concoction was just a glimpse. On one of Oprah’s Favorite Things show she feature this top seller from Serendipity 3, a famous restaurant located in Upper East Side of Manhattan. I drooled and pledged that I would one day I shall have my fix.

A few years later I made my way to Serendipity 3, braved the hot summer day and the 45 minute wait. As I waited I was transported to an enchanted wonderland. Vintage Tiffany Lamps hung from the ceiling, marble topped tables were surrounded by white wooden chairs, the walls were “lined with an arrangement of organized, stylized clutter; antique feather dusters, vintage toys, outrageous hats, movie posters, voodoo kits, old glassware.” This only increased my excitement.

I ordered my Frozen Hot Chocolate and all my expectations had been met. It was sweet, creamy, chocolatey with a huge dollop of whipped cream. It was all the essence of hot chocolate had been captured in this cold version. It was…serendipitous.

Frozen Hot Chocolate

adapted from Sweet Serendipity

3 oz of chocolate pieces

2 tsp hot chocolate mix

1 1/2 tbsp sugar

3 cups ice

whipped cream

chocolate shavings

Chop chocolate into small pieces and place in top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stirring occasionally until melted. Add hot chocolate mix, sugar and stir to blend. Remove from heat and add 1/2 cup milk; stir until smooth. Cool.

Place remaining milk, chocolate mixture and ice in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a mug and top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate. (I sprinkled some of the hot cocoa mix on top)